Your body needs water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body requires water to function properly. Your body uses water in many ways; maintaining body temperature, removing waste, lubricating joints etc. It’s no wonder that healthcare providers always mention why you must stay hydrated in order to have good health! Plus staying hydrated keeps you looking young which is very important in today’s society. Probably cheaper than expensive skin care too!
Effects of dehydration
To fully understand the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated throughout the day, let’s see what dehydration can do to your body. Below, you can see its effects:
- Headache or migraine
- Muscle cramps
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Dry skin (aging!)
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dark urine
Water accounts for more than 60% of your body weight, but you lose water each day when you go to the bathroom, sweat, and even when you breathe. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated.
Simple ways to stay hydrated
Now that you know how important it is to stay hydrated throughout the day, here are a few tips you will find beneficial:
- Drink water throughout the day at regular intervals. Water is the best source to stay hydrated as it doesn’t add extra calories.
2. Make a smoothie – smoothies are delicious and healthy at the same time. One glass of homemade smoothie will keep you hydrated and supply your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants etc.
3. Coconut water – it’s low in carbs while rich in potassium which regulates your blood pressure. Ideally, you should go for unsweetened and natural varieties.
4. Eat watermelon – it’s made of 92% water and watermelon is incredibly refreshing on hot summer days. Besides staying hydrated, watermelon also supplies your body with Vitamins A and C and potassium.
5. Eat celery – celery sticks consist of 95% water, they are also rich in potassium, Vitamin K and fibre. To stay hydrated all day, you can ditch unhealthy snacks and introduce celery sticks as a healthy and refreshing alternative.
6. Electrolytes – This is particularly important if you exercise. I often take electrolytes (sodium, potassium and some essential vitamins) after my gym workouts to help rehydrate my body. The salts keep your hydration levels balanced so you don’t end up sweating too much of it away! My friend put me on a electrolyte called complete hydration and I’m a raving fan. For more information, click here.
7. Invest in a high quality water bottle that fits into your bag, or one that you can carry easily. You are able to sip on water regularly to keep dizziness, headache and other signs of dehydration at bay.
8. Check the colour of your urine – it might sound a bit unorthodox but urine is the best indicator of hydration in healthy people. Basically, the lighter the colour, the better hydrated you are.
9. Start your day with a glass of water for instant hydration and refreshment. Plus, drinking water on an empty stomach is associated with a wide array of benefits. You can nadd some honey, or sliced lemon as well if plain water does not appeal to you first thing in the morning.
Bottom Line
To stay healthy, avoid fatigue and headache, stay hydrated by drinking water or eating foods that are rich in water content. Your body will appreciate it and thank you for it in the long run!
References
http://designtaxi.com/news/383232/Infographic-What-Dehydration-Does-To-Your-Body/
